With all of the holiday hustle, it’s easy to see why this time of year speeds by so quickly … but don’t leave your marketing in the cold! Here’s a quick list of six marketing tasks to tackle before Santa takes to the sky:
- Give thanks: Let your clients / customers know how much you’ve valued their business / support over the past [challenging] year. Even if you feel like they’ve already heard it, a simple gesture of gratitude goes a long way. Think about how you can say thanks — a card with a personal note, a thoughtful gift, a holiday party or some way to get your message to them will be well received and appreciated.
- Recap: Carefully review the success of this year’s marketing efforts to help decide what worked, what didn’t, what needs to change, what you should being doing more of and why — and so on. It’s best to look at all your metrics now and analyze your costs and results to give you a clear direction heading into next year’s planning.
- Plan: Once you’ve recapped 2021, let’s get set for 2022. Create a marketing plan that includes strategic goals, deliverables and a budget. Look ahead to any industry-related shows or events you’re interested in attending and incorporate them into your marketing plan, including budgeting for materials and travel (if applicable). Also, have a flexible plan for when plans change.
- Update lists: Ensure contact lists for clients, leads, vendors, etc. are up-to-date so you’re not scrambling to update or find names next year when you’re ready to send out a mailer, or follow-up with a prospect.
- Take inventory: Check quantities of your most-used marketing materials; does anything need to be restocked, reprinted or updated to reflect recent changes to your business or services?
- Confirm holiday schedule: Inform your clients / customers of any change to your business’ availability over the holidays. Let people know soon enough to give them a chance to reach out with any last-minute projects or inquiries.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t go it alone — we’re happy to help you get to the finish line so you can relax and enjoy the end of the year holidays right around the bend! Give us a shout at amy@elementsdesign.com or 203-776-1323 to get started.
– Amy
